New weapon to repel depression - rTMS takes away emotional haze

        Mr. Lai, who is 53 years old, has achieved great success in his business, but he has become irritable and even suffers from insomnia since then. His emotions have hit rock bottom, and he has lost interest in company operations and outdoor activities. He only wants to stay at home every day and refuses to go out. He was diagnosed with depression by a doctor. Although he regularly sought medical attention and took medication on time, his condition did not improve significantly. In the end, he went to Far Eastern Memorial Hospital for treatment with "Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)". Not only did he smoothly return to work, but he also regained his enthusiasm and vitality for life.

        Emerging from the gloom of depression, rTMS treatment shows excellent efficacy

                According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, approximately 8.9% of the population in Taiwan suffer from depression, with 5.2% experiencing severe depression. However, many patients lack a sense of illness awareness, which brings serious impacts and burdens to society, life, work, and family.

        In fact, when the brain is sick, the neural activity that controls emotions in the brain may become abnormal. "Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)" uses the principle of electric magnetic and magnetic electricity to activate the "dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)" that controls emotions in the brain through instruments. By stimulating and triggering microcurrents in the brain, the neural activity in the brain can be balanced, and depression symptoms can be improved.

        Low side effects and high safety, with each treatment lasting about 40 minutes

        RTMS is a non-invasive treatment method that does not require anesthesia. Patients only need to sit in a chair and wait for the treatment to be completed. Apart from mild scalp pain, it has few side effects and high safety. The treatment course lasts for two weeks, with one session per day from Monday to Friday, lasting approximately 20-40 minutes each time. Typically, half of patients with refractory depression experience gradual improvement after two weeks of treatment; However, some patients may have a slower response to treatment and may require 4-6 weeks of treatment to gradually improve.

        The side effects of previous drug treatments may lead to incomplete treatment or poor improvement of emotional symptoms in patients with depression. Therefore, after the Ministry of Health and Welfare adopted rTMS treatment in 2018, it brought new hope to patients. Although this treatment technique is safe and effective for most patients, there are still some contraindications, such as patients with a history of epilepsy or those with metal implants in their bodies, which pose a higher risk of treatment. It is recommended that the public first discuss their own situation with a physician and undergo a comprehensive professional evaluation.

                epilogue

        Middle aged men who are the head of a family often find it difficult to express their emotions of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, but actively detecting their physical and mental condition is an important part of staying away from depression. Expressing oneself in a timely manner, allowing negative emotions to be expressed, actively seeking help when necessary, and not holding back inner distress, will not worsen symptoms. Family members can also try to understand and show care, providing the power of support. If emotional stress is high and causes physical, psychological, and mental warnings, it is necessary to face the problem squarely, seek a psychiatrist or psychologist, adjust appropriately, and receive treatment in order to further improve symptoms, get out of the haze, and embrace a healthy life.

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